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Domestic violence aid group overwhelmed by requests

Published On: Dec 04 2012 09:23:09 PM CST

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -

The weekend slaying of Kasandra Perkins, and subsequent suicide of her killer, Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, raises awareness about domestic violence and the organizations that help domestic violence victims.

The organization Hope House offers two emergency shelters for victims who need to escape their abusers, but the group can't take care of everyone who needs it.

In October, Hope House said it had to turn away 148 victims of domestic violence and 1,500 victims in the last fiscal year. The group said that sometimes when a victim calls for help, the answer is that the shelters are out of space.

"There's nothing worse, really, than having to tell someone, 'I don't have space for you. I can't help you right now," said Hope House CEO MaryAnne Metheny.

She said when it happens, staff members will try to find another emergency shelter for the victim, or help them think through other options, like staying with a neighbor, another family member or at a hotel.

"It's hard knowing that people are in these horrible situations and that that there's only so much we can do," Metheny said.

She said domestic violence is everywhere, and victims who seek help at Hope House come from all walks of life, all neighborhoods, rich and poor and both sides of the state line.

Anyone in a domestic violence situation who needs help is encouraged to call 816-568-5463.

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